Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony A55 Review

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The Sony A55 is the next big step for Sony, which busted onto the scene with the A300 and A350 DSLRs almost 3 years go with their fast live view autofocus.  The A55’s live view autofocus is a step above pretty much everything else on the market, including Sony’s prior models.  And that, is the biggest and best feature on the A55.

The A55 has a 16.2MP CMOS sensor for high-res stills and also captures full 1920 x 1080 HD video.  As an entry-level DSLR, the A55 delivers solid results in both categories. [Read more…]

 

Sony HVL-F43AM Flash Announced

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Sony added a prosumer-level external flash to its lineup last week.  The new flash features the same “Quick Shift Bounce” rotation as found the the flagship HVL-F58AM flash.  It has guide number of 43 and offers 22 increments of power adjustments between full and down to 1/128 power – all in 1/3 stops – and is powered by 4 AA batteries.

The HVL-F43AM is slated for release later this Summer for around $350.

Full specs and more images below. [Read more…]

Sony A77 Announcement in July, Shipping October?

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More word of the Sony A700-replacement is trickling out.  This time, SonyAlphaRumors cites “trusted sources” that confirm a July announcement for the Sony A77 translucent mirror camera and an October 6, 2011 ship date for the camera.

While none of this is set in stone, it correlates with earlier statements from Sony that we’ll get a Summer 2011 announcement for the camera.  Additionally, previous info from Sony indicates that the A77 (if that is in fact the new camera’ s name) is expected to be released alongside a new kit lens and prosumer-grade speedlight. [Read more…]

Sony Alpha Instant Rebates

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Sony has a number of Alpha models (both DSLR and NEX) on special through March 5, 2011.  Most of the instant rebates are $50 off and include the new Sony A33 and NEX-3.  Additionally, the A900 has a $200 instant rebate; however, those are apparently in short supply at the moment.

See the full list of available Sony instant rebates over here at B&H Photo.

Sony A77 Price and Features: Soapbox Edition

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In the recent post about the Sony A77 prototype camera on display at CP+, Chris left a comment asking about the price of the new camera, which is due to be released later this year.

So far, Sony hasn’t revealed the price point for this new camera.  However, we do know a few things about the A700 successor. [Read more…]

Sony A55 Capable of Shooting 3K Video?

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A hacker sent an email to Sony Alpha Rumors alleging that it is possible to hack the Sony A55 firmware to capture 3K video at 24p and/or 1080p video at 48/60 fps.

“I have had the Sony A55v for about a week. I’m already into the firmware and from years of hacking motherboard/video-card BIOS and Pentax cameras I can tell you the APS-C sensor can shoot MJPEG at 3k resolution at 24p for at least 45 seconds. I’m more interested in 1080p at 48/60 FPS. I’ll tell right now the memory buffer systems in this camera is huge….probably 3-4 times that of the GH1. All I’ve done is break into the code. A proper hack would take months. Thousands of possible settings to adjust. Testing. But you need thousands of people and a big community to support a project like that.” –SonyAlphaRumors

While this would most likely interest a rather niche audience, if the Panasonic GH1 hack is anything to measure it by, it could also be a pretty big deal.

Sony NEX-5 Review

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The Sony NEX-5 is a 14.2MP mirrorless camera in an ultra-compact form-factor.  If not for the DSLR-sized kit lens that attaches to the NEX-5, this camera would rival some of the consumer pocket cameras in size.  And with the available 16mm lens (shown above), you could make a good argument that it does.

In addition to the great still images the NEX-5 produces with its large, APS-C format sensor, the camera can also capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 60i.  What’s more is the budget-friendly price tag that slides the kit under the $700 mark.

To get the full rundown on the Sony NEX-5, read on. [Read more…]

Sony A560 and A580 Promo Images Leak Out

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Another day, another Sony product leak.  This time up, product images of the new Sony A560 and A580 (replacements for the A500 and A550) have surfaced – just a day after the A33 and A55 were revealed.

The Sony A560 and A580 are rumored to feature 14MP and 16MP sensors, along with the ability to capture AVCHD video at 1080i.  More images of the A560 and A580 below. [Read more…]